Horwill named to make Reds return

James Horwill will make his first playing appearance in 10 months after being named as Queensland captain to face the Bulls at Lang Park on Saturday night.

Horwill injured his ankle just days before the Reds' final preseason trial match against the Chiefs last month and has been sidelined since.

The Chiefs trial was set to be his return from a long-term hamstring injury, which he suffered last May against the Brumbies in Canberra.

The significant hamstring tear saw Horwill miss the remainder of the Reds' 2012 Super Rugby campaign and he was later ruled out of the Wallabies' spring tour to Europe.

"Getting James back on the field has been a long time coming and everyone is extremely excited to see him back after what has been a frustrating 10 months without rugby," Reds director of coaching Ewen McKenzie said in a statement.

"In a perfect world he would have returned sooner if not for an ankle injury he suffered in an unlucky instance at training, but he has handled every challenge thrown at him with class and is now ready to go."

Horwill replaces Rob Simmons in the second row and his inclusion is one of five changes McKenzie has made to the starting XV that lost 19-12 to Western Force at Lang Park last Saturday night.

Impressive back rower Jarrad Butler will make his starting debut at openside flanker, with Liam Gill sidelined with a minor knee injury.

James Hanson replaces Saia Faingaa at hooker, Anthony Faingaa takes the place of Mike Harris at outside centre and Digby Ioane returns from a Reds-imposed suspension on the wing, with Luke Morahan dropped.

McKenzie has also shown faith in uncapped back rowers Curtis Browning and Nigel Ah Wong, who were selected on the reserves bench.

The Reds' hold a 3-2 record through five rounds, while the Bulls have won three of their four matches so far this season.